Forgiveness (Part 2)
Did you know that forgiveness brings peace and blessing to the troubled person? Unforgiveness causes unnecessary heartache and pain, which can lead to physical and emotional consequences. This month more clarity is given to whether forgiveness can be extended to each other and how Yehovah has given us provision for this to happen.
All who draw near to Yehovah (Jehovah or God) will find rest and peace in heart and mind. Last month I explained that there are conditions attached to Yehovahs forgiveness. Firstly, one must acknowledge their transgressions against Yehovahs commandments and repent with a sincere heart. He is always willing to forgive. Psalms 130 and verse 4 says “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared” (feared means reverance or respect for God). According to Ephesians chapter 1 and verse 7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace”.
Yehovah wants to save us in His kingdom and live eternally with Him. He wants us to open our eyes to the truth and light of His word. Yehovah gave instructions to Saul (Paul) in the book of Acts chapter 26 and verse 18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me”. Daniel chapter 9 and verses 9 and 10 reiterates “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which he set before us by His servants the prophets”.
Yeshua’s (Jesus) blood was poured out on the cross at Calvary for the forgiveness of OUR sins. This is confirmed in Matthew chapter 26 and verse 28, “For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (some bible versions say blood of the new testament). John the baptist preached to the people in Luke chapter 3 and verse 3 “And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins”.
Yeshua said to his disciples in Luke chapter 24 and verses 44 to 47, “And he said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them. Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. That repentance and forgiveness (remission) of sins should be preached in his name among all nations…”.
Everyone can draw close to the Yehovah and receive forgiveness for transgressions (or sins) against His commandments. It is a free gift of grace. The commandments of God tells us or shows us where one has transgressed or sinned, thus one can then acknowledge the transgression and ask for forgiveness. Through forgiveness one is set free from the burden or bondage of carrying our sins, thus one obtains peace within and have the assurance of eternal life. This is confirmed in Psalms 86 and verse 5 “For thou, art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee”.
Now we know that forgiveness comes from Yehovah (Jehovah or God). But what is required from the person who receives this free gift? Peter, one of the disciples of Yeshua asked the following question in Matthew chapter 18 and verse 21 and 22, “Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times, but, until seventy times seven”.
In the book of Mark chapter 11 and verses 25 and 26 it is made very clear “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trepasses”. Another is taken from Luke chapter 6 and verses 37, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged, condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned, forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”.
Luke chapter 11 and verse 4 states “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us…”. Also in Luke 17 and verses 3 and 4 it says “Take heed to yourselves, if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him. If he trespass against thee seven times a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him”. Colossians chapter 3 and verse 13 explains we should be “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye”. Ephesians chapter 4 and verse 32 reiterates again “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”.
As can be seen above, forgiveness comes from Yehovah, through the life, death and resurrection of his son Yeshua, who died for OUR sins / transgressions. He is the way, the truth and the life and through Him one has access to the heavenly Father. Only as one acknowledges and repents of sins committed against Yehovah, can one receive forgiveness.
Without a clear understanding of His law and commandments, one can never comprehend the need for forgiveness. It is through a knowledge of the law of Yehovah that one can ascertain what sin is. Romans chapter 3 and verse 20 and 23 declares “…for by the law is the knowledge of sin. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. It is at this point as one recognises their trangressions and has a sense of sorrow for sins committed against Yehovah, then one is led to seek forgiveness.
Only the holy spirit (or the spirit of holiness) can lead one to repentance. Forgiveness is a gift from Yehovah. Without forgiveness of ones sins, there can be no eternal life for the believer. The heart of man must be humble before Yehovah. To be clear, everyone has the freedom to choose salvation through faith in Yeshua, which leads to eternal life or reject his forgiveness. In Joshua chapter 24 and verse 15 Joshua said “And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”.
I hope you have learned more about the Scriptures. Next month I will conclude with Forgiveness Part 3.
If you would like to know more contact Sandra on 602 466 534.
